Aqueous Transmission

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"Aqueous Transmission" is the final song off of Incubus's 2001 album Morning View. It is notable for its length (7:46), calm sound, and stylistic elements. While not released as a single, "Aqueous Transmission" has gained a cult-like underground following among music fans for its peaceful sound and relaxing aura. Additionally, the final minute of the song consists entirely of croaking frogs recorded outside the Malibu mansion where the song was recorded.

[edit] Asian influence

The song's distinctive introduction is the sound of a pipa (a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument), which was lent to the band by Steve Vai.[1] The band had previously referred, mistakenly, to the instrument as a kyoto or ko-kyu.[2]

The main introductory riff, consisting of a simple 17-note progression, is repeated throughout most of the song.

[edit] Brandon Boyd on "Aqueous Transmission"

Brandon Boyd, Incubus' lead singer, commented on the song:

"Perhaps our most ambitious work to date, was first conceived with an instrument quite alien to Incubus and all of rock music to be precise. A 'Ko-kyu' is what was used here and it was donated by a very generous and talented man by the name of Steve Vai. One late evening we began conjuring and experimenting with this track and it quickly brought to mind the image and analogy of floating freely down a river; hence the content of the song. Our friend Suzi Katayama, who has in the past worked string arrangements with the likes of Bjork, Madonna and even Yours Truly for an acoustic performance in LA, lent her classical finesse to this story. And in doing so helped it become exactly what we envisioned; a song so atmospheric and vibratory, it would make those who listened to it doze off into a land of rivers, kung fu and unicorns, eventually making the listener pee in his/her pants."